Congo shaft collapse traps gold mine workers

Efforts are underway to rescue miners trapped in a shaft collapse at an artisanal gold mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident occurred over the weekend at a site in South Kivu province, and authorities have not confirmed how many workers remain underground.

According to Reuters, rescue operations continued on Tuesday, with emergency crews attempting to reach those still inside the collapsed shaft.

The mine is believed to be an informal operation, typical in the region’s artisanal mining sector, where safety protocols are often lacking.

Video footage released by Reuters shows onlookers and rescuers gathered at the site as the search continues.

Unsafe mining conditions

Artisanal mining remains a major source of income in eastern Congo but is fraught with dangers. Shaft collapses are common due to poor construction and lack of oversight.

South Kivu is a hub for small-scale gold mining, often unregulated and hazardous, with accidents frequently resulting in fatalities.